RV Camping near Hurley, NY

The Catskill region near Hurley, New York offers camping opportunities among rolling mountain terrain at elevations ranging from 600 to 3,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with higher humidity levels from June through August. Fall camping season runs from September to late October with nighttime temperatures frequently dropping below 45°F.

What to do

Hiking trails: Kenneth L. Wilson Campground provides access to numerous wooded paths within walking distance of campsites. "There are lots of trails to explore. Many unmarked," notes one camper, adding that the "Campground has a good hiking trail network with trailheads connecting to the campground."

Swimming: Lake Taghkanic State Park features a natural swimming area with sandy beaches. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards/kyacks etc. Worth every penny," reports one visitor. The beach typically opens in late May and closes after Labor Day weekend.

Fishing: Several campgrounds offer fishing access with no permit required for children under 16. At Mills Norrie State Park Campground, anglers can enjoy "boat access, marina, and kyack" options with Hudson River frontage. Pelton Pond at Clarence Fahnestock State Park is known for panfish with "one fisherman saying he had caught several bass weighing over 3 pounds."

What campers like

Privacy levels: Campsite spacing varies considerably between parks. At Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, "Sites were secluded if you wanted more private camping (also super unique layouts) but there were plenty if you needed a quick stop over," according to a recent visitor.

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and showers. At Kenneth L Wilson Campground, "The bathrooms were fine. They were clean but sometimes ran out of toilet paper," while the "showers were free and temperature controlled to perfectly warm!!"

Off-season quiet: Visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons provides a more peaceful experience. One camper at Mills Norrie State Park Campground noted, "Deserted during the week but packed on weekends. When the park clears out during the week you sleep to the sounds of nature and the occasional freight train in the distance."

What you should know

Campsite quality varies: Individual sites within the same campground can differ dramatically. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, one camper advises, "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site... check out the sites online to get one that is private."

Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October. Brook N Wood Family Campground runs from "Late April to Mid October," while Thousand Trails Rondout Valley has a slightly longer season from "Apr 1 - Nov 1."

Limited cell service: Connectivity can be unreliable throughout the region. A camper at Kenneth L Wilson Campground reported "no cell service in the campground" while staying there, requiring trips to nearby towns for communication needs.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities designed for children. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, "This is a large family campground with tons of stuff to do," including "a pool, playground, and activities that include bocce ball, shuffleboard, and horseshoes."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Local waterways provide nature observation opportunities. A visitor mentioned that at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish."

Off-peak visits recommended: Family campers report better experiences during weekdays. "Quiet, clean place. Our site was up front and we didn't venture into the park," notes one camper about Skyway Camping Resort, while another family mentioned they "would go up to you and introduce themselves" about friendly park rangers.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: RV campers should be prepared for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. At Interlake RV Park & Campground, "Sites are close, some are sunnier than others," while a camper at Mills Norrie State Park Campground warned that "Some have a steep descent off the road, and there's a lip on the road that can scrape bottom of campers/RVs."

Hookup placement: Water and electric connections aren't always conveniently located. Brook N Wood Family Campground features "Shared hook ups (two sites on one pole) at the rear of the sites with the exception of sewer," requiring longer hoses and cords for some RV setups.

Reservation spacing: During peak season, book early for preferred sites at rv campgrounds near Hurley, New York. Management at some campgrounds like Brook N Wood "spaced out the reservations so people camping together could be together, but then allowed empty sites in between each group" during pandemic restrictions, a practice some parks continue for privacy.